Results:

Of 48 patients evaluated for intervention, transcatheter correction was performed in 25 patients. Of the remaining patients, six were awaiting the procedure at time of manuscript publication, and 17 underwent surgical closure. Surgical closure was performed because of anatomy unsuitable to transcatheter closure in eight, need for concomitant procedures in four, and patient/provider preference in five patients. Balloon test inflation was performed in the anticipated stent landing zone with simultaneous transesophageal echocardiography and pulmonary venography to confirm defect closure and unobstructed pulmonary venous drainage. A 10-zig covered Cheatham stent was deployed with a second, uncovered stent used for anchoring in the SVC in nine patients. The right upper pulmonary vein was protected during stent deployment with a high pressure balloon to prevent pulmonary venous obstruction in four patients. The median follow-up period was 1.4 (interquartile range, 0.8-1.7) years, with no mortality. Stent embolization requiring surgical removal occurred in one patient; another required drainage of hemopericardium. Cardiac computed tomography after 3 months confirmed unobstructed pulmonary venous return. At latest follow-up, a residual shunt was present in one patient.